The Ludic City: Exploring the Potential of Public Spaces / Edition 1

by Quentin Stevens

Overview

This international and illustrated work challenges current writings focussing on the problems of urban public space to present a more nuanced and dialectical conception of urban life.

Detailed and extensive international urban case studies show how urban open spaces are used for play, which is defined and discussed using Caillois' four-part definition – competition, chance, simulation and vertigo. Stevens explores and analyzes these case studies according to locations where play has been observed: paths, intersections, thresholds, boundaries and props.

Applicable to a wide-range of countries and city forms, The Ludic City is a fascinating and stimulating read for all who are involved or interested in the design of urban spaces.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415401791
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	03/28/2007
Pages:	244
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Quentin Stevens

Table of Contents

Introduction: The 'Function' of Urban Public Space 1. A Theorisation of Everyday Urban Social Life 2. Understanding Play in Public 3. The Spatiality of Social Interactions 4. How to Study Play in Cities 5. Paths 6. Intersections 7. Thresholds 8. Boundaries 9. Props 10. The Shape of Urban Play: 1960s Functionalism Revisited 11. The Dialectics of Urban Play: Fun Follows Form, Fun Follows 'Function'